Yoshi's Island
News, coverage and analysis tracking Yoshi's Island across the outlets.
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Shack Chat: What is your favorite piece of physical video game media?
Shacknews staff members share their favorite pieces of physical video game media, ranging from classic console re-releases and collector's editions to rare cartridges and fightsticks. The discussion highlights the sentimental value and importance of physical media for game preservation and personal memories, especially in an era of increasing digital-only releases and subscription services.
Nintendo’s newer games from Good-Feel are missing this important thing
This article analyzes the music in recent games developed by Good-Feel for Nintendo, arguing that titles like Kirby's Epic Yarn and Yoshi's Woolly World excelled due to unique and atmospheric soundtracks. In contrast, newer games like Yoshi's Crafted World and Yoshi and the Mysterious Book are criticized for relying too heavily on remixes of the main theme, resulting in less memorable and less atmospheric experiences. The composer Tomoya Tomita's departure after Yoshi's Woolly World is highlighted as a significant factor in this perceived decline in musical quality.
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book Review – Delightful
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book offers a delightful and unique puzzle platformer experience, returning to a storybook aesthetic with stunning visuals. Developed by Good Feel using Unreal Engine 5, the game runs smoothly on the Nintendo Switch, maintaining high image quality in docked mode. Its focus on exploration and interaction over combat or failure makes it accessible and engaging for all players, particularly younger audiences.
Review: Yoshi and the Mysterious Book (Nintendo Switch 2)
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is a charming new platformer for the Nintendo Switch 2, offering a creative and relaxing experience. Players explore vibrant storybook worlds to discover and name unique creatures, with a lighthearted subplot involving Bowser Jr. and Kamek. Despite a lack of co-op and some minor amiibo limitations, the game's visual style and inventive gameplay make it a delightful adventure.
Opinion: Yoshi And The Mysterious Book Completely Wastes Its Best Mechanic
This opinion piece argues that Yoshi and the Mysterious Book squanders its most innovative mechanic, the Bewilder Bird, which allows instant transformation into any previously discovered creature. While this ability briefly elevates the gameplay in World 6, offering a glimpse of true creative freedom, the game quickly reverts to its repetitive structure, failing to capitalize on its potential for experimentation. The author suggests that a DLC expansion focusing on the Bewilder Bird could have made the game a standout title.
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book review for Nintendo Switch 2
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book for Nintendo Switch 2 offers a unique sandbox experience with interactive physics and creature-logging gameplay, diverging from traditional 2D platforming. While praised for its charming art style and experimental mechanics, the game lacks significant challenge and depth, and its omission of co-op play is noted as peculiar. The game's direction may divide players, with some appreciating its novelty and others preferring more conventional Yoshi titles.
Yoshi’s back to delight us all! Pure Nintendo Podcast E163
The Pure Nintendo Podcast episode 163 covers Yoshi's New Island, Nintendo's surprise mobile game Pictonico, and the demo for RPG Adventures of Elliot. The hosts also discuss the addition of the A Link Between Worlds soundtrack to Nintendo Music, new Pac-Man and Broken Sword media, and various indie games.
Random: Nintendo's New Yoshi Game Contains A Galactic Easter Egg
The Nintendo Switch game Yoshi and the Mysterious Book features an Easter egg that appears to be a homage to Super Mario Galaxy 2. The final world includes a section with altered gravity and collectible Star Bits, reminiscent of the space-themed platformer. The article also notes similarities to Raphael the Raven from Yoshi's Island, suggesting the homage may reference both titles.
Round Up: The Reviews Are In For Yoshi And The Mysterious Book
Reviews are mixed for Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, a new Nintendo Switch exclusive that blends puzzling and platforming elements. Critics praise its unique mechanics and sense of discovery, with some comparing it to Breath of the Wild, while others find it too simple or lacking depth. The game currently holds a Metacritic average of 80.
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book Review — Take A Look, It's In A Book | Console Creatures
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book offers a departure from previous Yoshi titles by focusing on exploration and discovery within an interactive book. While its relaxed, puzzle-focused platforming may not appeal to all long-time fans, its creative approach and charming presentation make for an enjoyable experience on the Nintendo Switch. The game encourages players to observe and interact with various creatures to uncover secrets and progress through its chapters.
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book review – Adorable discoveries await
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is an adorable and joyful platformer that introduces new players to the beloved Nintendo character. While it is short and lacks significant challenge, the game's charm, unique creature discovery mechanics, and whimsical presentation make it an entertaining experience. The game follows Yoshis as they help a talking book named Mister E solve mysteries within its pages, encountering various flora and fauna along the way.
Review: Yoshi And The Mysterious Book (Switch 2) - Charming Enough, But Ultimately Lacklustre
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book offers a charming art style and approachable platforming, but ultimately falls short of previous entries like Yoshi's Woolly World and Crafted World. While the game's unique book-themed setting and creature-discovery mechanics are interesting, the repetitive structure and lack of significant challenge make it a lackluster experience, particularly in handheld mode on the Nintendo Switch.
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book review - the loveliest, most playful follow-up response to one of Nintendo's greatest ever games
Yoshi and the Mysterious Book is a delightful and surprising follow-up to Yoshi's Island, offering a playful experience for all ages. While aimed at younger players with no real peril, its unique level design encourages experimentation and discovery, making it a standout title. The game draws visual inspiration from Yoshi's Island but introduces a novel approach to level progression centered around exploring creature interactions.
Is Nintendo Switch Online worth it in 2026? Our verdict
This analysis evaluates the value of Nintendo Switch Online in 2026, considering its evolution since its 2018 launch. While initial online play faced criticism, the service now offers a robust library of retro games from NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, GameCube, and more, alongside features like cloud saves and free DLC for Expansion Pack members. Despite some drawbacks like limited drip-feeding of new retro titles and certain game exclusions from cloud save functionality, the subscription is deemed a worthwhile investment due to its expanded benefits and competitive pricing, especially with family plans.
Legendary Nintendo Designer Takashi Tezuka Announces Retirement After 42 Years
Legendary Nintendo designer Takashi Tezuka, instrumental in shaping franchises like Mario and The Legend of Zelda, announced his retirement effective June 26, 2026, after 42 years with the company. Tezuka, who joined Nintendo in 1984, directed titles such as Super Mario Bros. 3 and A Link to the Past, and served as lead producer for the Mario series for two decades. The announcement was made alongside Nintendo's financial results, which also noted a planned price increase for the Nintendo Switch 2.
One of Nintendo's most important Mario and Zelda designers is set to retire
Takashi Tezuka, a key designer behind influential Nintendo titles like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, is set to retire on June 26, 2026, after 42 years with the company. Tezuka, who co-designed early Mario and Zelda games with Shigeru Miyamoto, also served as a producer on later titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
Legendary Zelda director and Nintendo designer legend Takashi Tezuka is retiring after more than 40 years
Veteran Nintendo designer and director Takashi Tezuka is retiring from the company on June 26th after more than 40 years of service. Tezuka joined Nintendo in 1984 and was instrumental in the development of numerous iconic titles, including the original Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Super Mario World, later serving as a producer on games like Super Mario Bros. Wonder and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Nintendo veteran designer Takashi Tezuka set to retire as Executive Officer
Nintendo veteran designer Takashi Tezuka, known for directing classic titles like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Super Mario World, will retire from his role as an executive officer on June 26, 2026. Tezuka's departure follows the recent retirements of fellow Nintendo designers Hideki Konno and Kensuke Tanabe.
Decline’s Drops Review | TheXboxHub
Decline's Drops is a platformer brawler that pays homage to 90s classics like Super Smash Bros. and Donkey Kong Country. Players control Globule, a wooden puppet, on a journey to defeat Eternal Corp. The game features side-scrolling levels, boss fights, and combat mechanics inspired by brawlers, with a currency system for upgrades and modifiers.
IGN uploads 15 minutes of Yoshi and the Mysterious Book gameplay
IGN has released 15 minutes of gameplay footage for the upcoming title Yoshi and the Mysterious Book. The game appears to be a 2D platformer with a focus on learning about wildlife and discovering secrets, featuring no damage or death mechanics for Yoshi. Previous videos for Yoshi's Crafted World and an unboxing of the Yoshi's New Island Nintendo 3DS XL were also mentioned.
